Pre & Post Surgery Tips - Day#3 blog writing challenge

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This one is for a client of mine who has just had major surgery - I hope you get better soon.


There can always be a lot of unknowns when it comes to surgery so it is best to be as prepared as possible, both mentally and physically. Of course your surgeon will give you a rundown on what needs to be addressed and be sure to seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any herbal medicines or nutritional supplements pre-surgery.


Here is a list of supplements that may aid in your recovery.

Arnica -Homeopathic arnica taken before and after surgery assists the body in healing, it assists in the reduction of swelling and bruising, it also helps the body deal with the trauma and shock of the surgery. 

Zinc - A trace mineral will improve wound healing and assist in reducing the appearance of scarring. Zinc is an antioxidant as well as an important nutrient for growth and development, immune responses and reproduction.

Vitamin C - is known as the KING antioxidant, it has a huge spectrum of actions and assists with many health issues. Vitamin C maintains connective tissue and assists in the production of collagen, it helps stimulate the immune system, assists with brain and nerve function, and is known to aid wound healing.

Probiotics -  are good bacteria which will restore healthy bacteria into your GIT which, if you have been prescribed antibiotics after surgery, will improve gut health and improve your immune response and support your immune system preventing any post surgery health compromises.

detox detox detox

Winter is pretty crazy and a great time to clean out the system. If you are feeling sluggish, slow, bloated, 'yucky' after eating, gassy or generally not functioning to your maximum capacity then maybe a detox is all you need. 
It doesn't have to be a full on crazy abstain from everything detox but a facilitated detox that helps your body remove toxins safely whilst keeping you healthy.

I usually put my clients on a (min) 6 week detox program. 

The first few weeks are spent removing bacteria, anti-microbials, yeasts and parasites form the gut, whilst supporting healthy gut function and preventing those yuckies from transferring back into the blood stream. All of this helps reduce bloating, gas and a feeling of discomfort.

The 2nd week begins the 'Renew' stage. This stage rebuilds normal gut integrity, eliminates heavy metal build up, and increases the detox load whilst restoring gut flora, and supporting a heathy digestive function. Without causing toxic overload on the other body systems.

In the final weeks, the 'Release' stage. Our liver has Phase 1 and Phase 2 action and at this stage Phase 2 detoxification of the liver is in full swing and we are activating optimal liver function, all 3 stages of the detox have been balanced and we feed the system with high dose anti-oxidants to restore optimal body system functions and that ability to be cleaned out in a safe and effective way making you feel great.

Give me a call/email if you are interested in taking on a detox and I can facilitate something like this for you.

A Vegetarian Baby

A friend asked me about vegetarian recipes for her baby. Now this could be controversial but I believe babies need red meat because red meat is the best source of Iron. And Iron in meat (haeme iron) is more easily absorbed than Iron (non-haeme iron) in vegetables.


Babies have immature gastrointestinal tracks, they are so very new and still developing and cannot therefore effectively digest and absorb everything they eat so it is important to fed them easily absorbed and digestible foods. And, as Iron in meat is more easily absorbed than veggie Iron this makes it a great source of Iron for babies.


Currently in Australia babies are encouraged to begin eating meat from 8 months, red meat is a terrific source of a complete protein and an easily digestible source of iron. The benefits of Iron include the production of haemoglobin, assists brain development and function, regulates body temperature and metabolism and lack of Iron directly affects the immune system. These are all important functions of a new and developing baby. If, (not only babies but) people don't eat and absorb enough iron they can acquire Iron deficiency anaemia, this can lead to a whole range of problems.


Iron benefits, deficiencies, food sources
Iron deficiency anaemia


Other sources of iron include wholegrains, nuts, eggs, legumes, seeds and of course iron fortified cereals - most baby foods including rusks have Iron added.


Also meat is a primary source of a complete-protein. Proteins primary function is to build and repair tissues and cells in the body and then amino acids which are the building blocks that make up proteins are key factors in aiding most of the functions and processes of the body - therefore proteins are very important in the growth and development of our babies. And I hear you ask that there is protein in seeds, nuts, grains, dairy but unless they are combined they are not complete proteins.


So a few easy red meat ideas for new babies are lamb cutlets and mince meat.  Mince meat is great because it's an easy protein source and can easily be made into lots of things; a shepards pie, rissoles, bolognese sauces and I make what I call a Moroccan style bolognese - with beans and potatoes in it (but no real spices). Of course you can source the best quality organic meats for you and your bubba. I know people choose to eat or not eat meat for all sorts of reasons,  ethical, cultural, religious, financial but my suggestion is in the first few years it is a good idea to feed your babies meat and they can later make their own decisions. If you choose to feed your baby as a vegetarian it is important to serve Vitamin C with every meal to prevent anaemia.


From 8 months I fed my baby lamb chop cutlets - he loved it, but that's not to say all will!